Deuteronomy 24:5
When a man hath taken a new wife, he shall not go out to war, neither shall he be charged with any business: but he shall be free at home one year, and shall cheer up his wife which he hath taken.
Original Language Analysis
כִּֽי
H3588
כִּֽי
Strong's:
H3588
Word #:
1 of 23
(by implication) very widely used as a relative conjunction or adverb (as below); often largely modified by other particles annexed
אִישׁ֙
When a man
H376
אִישׁ֙
When a man
Strong's:
H376
Word #:
3 of 23
a man as an individual or a male person; often used as an adjunct to a more definite term (and in such cases frequently not expressed in translation)
לֹ֤א
H3808
לֹ֤א
Strong's:
H3808
Word #:
6 of 23
not (the simple or abs. negation); by implication, no; often used with other particles
יֵצֵא֙
he shall not go out
H3318
יֵצֵא֙
he shall not go out
Strong's:
H3318
Word #:
7 of 23
to go (causatively, bring) out, in a great variety of applications, literally and figuratively, direct and proxim
בַּצָּבָ֔א
to war
H6635
בַּצָּבָ֔א
to war
Strong's:
H6635
Word #:
8 of 23
a mass of persons (or figuratively, things), especially reg. organized for war (an army); by implication, a campaign, literally or figuratively (speci
וְלֹֽא
H3808
וְלֹֽא
Strong's:
H3808
Word #:
9 of 23
not (the simple or abs. negation); by implication, no; often used with other particles
יַעֲבֹ֥ר
neither shall he be charged
H5674
יַעֲבֹ֥ר
neither shall he be charged
Strong's:
H5674
Word #:
10 of 23
to cross over; used very widely of any transition (literal or figurative; transitive, intransitive, intensive, causative); specifically, to cover (in
עָלָ֖יו
H5921
עָלָ֖יו
Strong's:
H5921
Word #:
11 of 23
above, over, upon, or against (yet always in this last relation with a downward aspect) in a great variety of applications
לְכָל
H3605
לְכָל
Strong's:
H3605
Word #:
12 of 23
properly, the whole; hence, all, any or every (in the singular only, but often in a plural sense)
דָּבָ֑ר
with any business
H1697
דָּבָ֑ר
with any business
Strong's:
H1697
Word #:
13 of 23
a word; by implication, a matter (as spoken of) or thing; adverbially, a cause
יִֽהְיֶ֤ה
H1961
יִֽהְיֶ֤ה
Strong's:
H1961
Word #:
15 of 23
to exist, i.e., be or become, come to pass (always emphatic, and not a mere copula or auxiliary)
לְבֵיתוֹ֙
at home
H1004
לְבֵיתוֹ֙
at home
Strong's:
H1004
Word #:
16 of 23
a house (in the greatest variation of applications, especially family, etc.)
וְשִׂמַּ֖ח
and shall cheer up
H8055
וְשִׂמַּ֖ח
and shall cheer up
Strong's:
H8055
Word #:
19 of 23
probably to brighten up, i.e., (figuratively) be (causatively, make) blithe or gleesome
אֶת
H853
אֶת
Strong's:
H853
Word #:
20 of 23
properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)
Cross References
Proverbs 5:18Let thy fountain be blessed: and rejoice with the wife of thy youth.Deuteronomy 20:7And what man is there that hath betrothed a wife, and hath not taken her? let him go and return unto his house, lest he die in the battle, and another man take her.Genesis 2:24Therefore shall a man leave his father and his mother, and shall cleave unto his wife: and they shall be one flesh.Ecclesiastes 9:9Live joyfully with the wife whom thou lovest all the days of the life of thy vanity, which he hath given thee under the sun, all the days of thy vanity: for that is thy portion in this life, and in thy labour which thou takest under the sun.1 Corinthians 7:29But this I say, brethren, the time is short: it remaineth, that both they that have wives be as though they had none;
Historical Context
In agrarian and warrior societies, this exemption represented significant sacrifice by the community. Excusing newlyweds from war and civic duties redistributed their responsibilities to others.
This demonstrates Israel's community commitment to strengthening marriages, recognizing that healthy families benefit society long-term despite short-term inconvenience.
Questions for Reflection
- What does one-year exemption teach about God's priority on marriage establishment?
- How does protected time for bonding strengthen marriages?
- What does 'cheer up his wife' reveal about husbands' emotional responsibilities?
- Why does God prioritize marriage establishment even above military defense?
- How might contemporary society apply this principle of protecting marriage investment?
Related Resources
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Analysis & Commentary
When a man hath taken a new wife, he shall not go out to war, neither shall he be charged with any business: but he shall be free at home one year, and shall cheer up his wife which he hath taken. God mandates a one-year honeymoon period where the new husband is exempt from military and civic duties. This demonstrates divine concern for establishing strong marriages through dedicated time together.
The phrase shall be free at home one year provides extended period for the couple to bond without external pressures competing for attention. Strong marriages require investment of time and focus, which God protects by excusing obligations that would separate them.
The purpose cheer up his wife indicates the husband's responsibility to bring joy and comfort to his bride. Marriage is not merely legal contract but relationship requiring emotional investment, care, and cultivation of happiness.
This law reveals God's prioritization - establishing godly marriages takes precedence even over national defense and civic obligations. Strong families form the foundation of strong communities.